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What does the school say?

Ben Gudgeon, pastoral deputy head said: “It is important that this is not seen as a step backwards in our approach to technology but rather a promotion of good learning habits.

“We continue to value, teach and encourage the use of technology, and recognise it as a crucial life-skill.

“However, the technological revolution has moved at such an extreme pace that we have had little time to reflect on the impact, especially on teenagers.

“Our intention is to limit over-use of devices and encourage our girls to use technology sensibly and safely. It is also vital that our girls get a good night’s sleep.”

How did it come to this decision?

The school says that the findings of a consultation regarding phone use, surveying pupils, parents and staff, were unanimous, and that “action must be taken”.

Sherborne Girls school

A statement from the school reads: “Sherborne Girls has taken the decision to alter its school policy, reducing pupil access to mobile devices in the interest of the girls’ wellbeing.

“All girls in years seven to 11 are now asked to leave their mobile phones in the boarding houses during lesson time and to hand in their devices an hour before bedtime.

“They are, however, encouraged to use tablets and/or laptops to support their academic studies and can bring these into lessons.

“By differentiating between the devices used for academic use and mobile phones for social use, the school hopes that it can encourage correct use of tablets and laptops for learning and limit exposure to social media during the working day.”